How to Prepare an Impromptu Speech
Whilst it may sound like an oxymoron, we can all learn to prepare impromptu speeches.
You've heard it said before that 'an impromptu speech is a mini-speech with a beginning, middle and end'. That's true, but it doesn't go far enough. I prefer to think of an impromptu speech as a flight with a take-off, flight and landing. During the flight, the plane does not fly in a straight line. The captain has carefully plotted the course and follows it as far as possible. At the same time, the crew must be flexible and cope with unexpected weather conditions and the like.
The part that the simple 'beginning, middle and end' advice leaves out is the course of the flight, which is planned. This equates to your speech structure.
We've all heard (and given?) speeches without any obvious structure. They wander all around the houses without ever really arriving at a point. They lack structure.
The trick is to know a number of structures so well that you'll easily be able to recall the most appropriate structure to fit the topic.
If you'd rather not be giving such speeches in the future, check back next week when I'll share three such structures.
You've heard it said before that 'an impromptu speech is a mini-speech with a beginning, middle and end'. That's true, but it doesn't go far enough. I prefer to think of an impromptu speech as a flight with a take-off, flight and landing. During the flight, the plane does not fly in a straight line. The captain has carefully plotted the course and follows it as far as possible. At the same time, the crew must be flexible and cope with unexpected weather conditions and the like.
The part that the simple 'beginning, middle and end' advice leaves out is the course of the flight, which is planned. This equates to your speech structure.
We've all heard (and given?) speeches without any obvious structure. They wander all around the houses without ever really arriving at a point. They lack structure.
The trick is to know a number of structures so well that you'll easily be able to recall the most appropriate structure to fit the topic.
If you'd rather not be giving such speeches in the future, check back next week when I'll share three such structures.
